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Jockey Richard Lim was
today disqualified 18 months and fined RM30,000 for his handling of JERAM
NATURAL, who trailed the field all the way in the Class 5, Div 1 - 1200m
sprint in Ipoh on Jan 6.
At the conclusion of an inquiry today, after taking evidence from trainer
Frank Maynard, and reviewing the films, Lim was found guilty of a charge
under MRA Rule 44(8) in that whist riding JERAM NATURAL in the above race,
he failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure that
JERAM NATURAL was given full opportunity of obtaining the best possible
placing.
The particulars of the charge were that:
1. He failed to give his mount sufficient rein on jumping resulting in his
horse throwing its head up and being slow to begin, thereby placing his
mount at a disadvantage;
2. Between the 800m to the 400m mark, he failed to improve his position
behind DIAMOND FERRY when there was opportunities to do so and in fact,
restrained his mount on several occasions for no apparent reason; and
3. Entering the home straight between the 350m to the 200m mark, he
continually restrained his mount for no apparent reason.
When deciding on penalty, the Stewards took into account the facts of this
case, Lim’s points of mitigation and his previous record. After considering
the provisions of MRA Rule 44(8)(a), Lim was disqualified for a period of
eighteen months with immediate effect from Jan 14 and to expire on July 13,
2009, both days inclusive. In addition, he was also fined RM30,000 and
advised of his right of appeal (1:15pm).
Maynard, the trainer of JERAM NATURAL, was warned that under similar
circumstances in future, he would be expected to approach the Stewards
should he have any concern or query with any jockey’s ride on one of his
horses.
Lim subsequently exercised his right of appeal and applied for a stay of
sentence, which after a hearing, was not granted. He was advised of his
right of appeal against the Stipendiary Stewards’ decision not to grant him
a stay of sentence (1:50pm). He subsequently exercised his right of appeal
against this decision. The appeals will be held on a date to be fixed.
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